Conversion therapy and LGBTQ people of faith

Conversion therapy and LGBTQ people of faith – webinar

Webinar for counsellors, therapists, chaplains, youth workers, telephone counsellors, pastors and LGBTQ service providers.

Presented for the Australian College of Relationship Counsellors (ACRC), the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA) and the Christian Counsellors Association of Australia (CCAA).

The mental health challenges of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) people have been well documented. LGBTQ people from faith backgrounds often experience these with greater intensity and have additional issues to deal with including attempts to change their sexual orientation or block gender transitioning. Understanding the LGBTI faith person’s worldview as well as the unique personal and psychological obstacles they face, enables therapists to work more effectively with clients.

Presenter: Anthony Venn-Brown

Anthony Venn-Brown was once a popular preacher in Australia’s mega-churches. His bestselling autobiography, A Life of Unlearning, details his 22-year struggle coming to terms with his homosexuality. Since 2000, Anthony’s worked extensively with individuals seeking resolution of faith and/or their sexuality, conversion therapy survivors and gay and lesbian people in heterosexual marriages. As founder of Ambassadors & Bridge Builders International, Anthony has provided training and been a conference speaker for organisations both in Australia and overseas.

About the Author: Anthony Venn-Brown OAM

Anthony Venn-Brown OAM, is one of Australia’s foremost commentators on faith and sexuality. His bestselling autobiography 'A Life of Unlearning – a preacher’s struggle with his homosexuality, church and faith', details his journey from being a national Pentecostal leader and famous preacher, preaching to 1000s every weekend in Australia’s growing mega-churches, such as Hillsong, to living as an openly gay man. Anthony was one of the first in the world to experience religious gay conversion 'therapy' and has worked to see the practice cease. Anthony was the co-founder and former leader of Freedom2b. He is an educator and consultant on LGBT/faith issues and leader in deconstructing the ex-gay/reparative/conversion therapy myth. Anthony is the founder and CEO of Ambassadors & Bridge Builders International. Anthony has been recognised on a number of occasions for his contribution and impact including being twice voted one of 'The 25 Most Influential Gay and Lesbian Australians’ (2007 and 2009) and in June 2020 he was awarded the 'Order of Australia Medal' (OAM) for service to the LGBTIQ community.